Christmas recap

I started my Christmas Knitting in August last year - decided I was going to do something for all the lady (at least) family and friends. 27 completed objects - all done on time! Wow I won’t try that again. 

6 Cowl/scarf/Shawl

3 Fingerless mitts

1 Toy

6 Spa Cloths

5 Felted Bowls

1 Socks

3 Hats

2 Ornaments.

Just a few examples:

Next year - lots more ornaments - they were really fun and a great way to use up leftovers. All the girls will get one. These will be great fill-in instant gratification projects for all year long. Plus if I start earlier the stress will be less! 

Backward steps

Well today didn’t turn out as planned - I’m waiting for the plumber! He was here on Tuesday and thought he fixed the drain. Not! So a plumbing step backward. Missing work is also a back step - double back actually, less income due to plumbing expense.

So of course I am knitting. I finished this last night. Downtown in Malabrigo Arroyo. Fast, easy and I like it. If I were to do it again - I’d cast on twice as much to make it longer. But it’s working for me now. 

I started the Woodbine sweater over a year ago. Its one of those projects I put down for quick knits or this year for Christmas knitting. So now its time to pick it up again. Luckily I wrote down the needle size I was using when I borrowed it for some Christmas project. Progressing along nicely now. But I know I won’t finish it next - I’m waiting for new needles to restart the Pendleton Cowl. I started it with #2s (it calls for #3s) but have decided 1#s are best for me. So I asked Knitting friends what they liked - since my favorites (KnitPicks interchangables) don't come in #1s and researched online for the best price. In-Stock, good price and free shipping - score! Then the disappointing e-mail - backordered. Bummer. 

So today there are a few backward steps - but still moving forward one step at a time! Of course Gracie always moves forward - when she's not resting!

It's a New Year and I WANT to write more!

As you can see - I haven’t written for a very long time! But have been thinking I’d like to start writing again. As usual I will probably concentrate on my knitting world, but with occasional musing about my awesome family and what I think is my well-lived life. 

Since family is always first I’ll start with that. An update on the other three “M’s” (I’m Mom). Today is the Geek’s birthday! Makes me feel really old! He and his “soon to be Mrs. (she is another “M” so fits in great) are planning their marriage - sometime in the near future! I’ll be an instant Grandmother as she has children. The Geek is really enjoying his role as Step Dad to be. They are making a great life for themselves and I approve unconditionally! Whew - I’m going to be a Mother-in-Law! More knitting opportunities!

The Nomad is settled here at home with me - yea! I like the company and companionship. She is managing the local branch of the college bookstore. Stressfully busy at times and stressfully boring at others and gets constant kudos for her excellent customer service! It’s a great job for her, part-time with lots of interaction with students and staff. 

The Nurse is living her dream - still in Oklahoma. She is a Traveling Nurse now, taking 13 week contracts delivering babies in hospitals in Kansas and Oklahoma. Loving every minute. Serious boyfriend - looks like this is THE one. I hope I can visit this spring.

Then of course there are the dogs - Wally and Gracie. A handful for sure, but always entertaining. They are both 2 now - so am hoping they settle down a bit, but not too much! Gracie is a great knitting helper!

I had a busy knitting season, completed 27 projects for Christmas presents - whew!! Now doing a few things for myself. Will comment on them later.

Life is good, busy, fulfilling and peaceful. What more could I ask for. Hoping it is the same for you!